The Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled to enjoy sustained success in recent years, but there was a period in the late 1990s and the early 2000s when they were one of the top teams in the AFC. One of the reasons behind their dominance was a talented core of difference makers, including running back Fred Taylor, who the Jags drafted ninth overall on a day like this 27 years ago.
The 1998 NFL Draft was stacked with talent. It featured the likes of Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Alan Faneca, and Randy Moss. All four have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame once their respective careers ended. That said, there were other players who haven't gotten a gold jacket but still went on to become difference-makers in the NFL. Taylor was one of them.
Taylor immediately became part of an offensive juggernaut that included quarterback Mark Brunell, wide receiver Kennan McCardell and Jimmy Smith, and left tackle Tony Boselli, the only player in team history who has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
During his 11-year stint in Jacksonville, Taylor toted the rock 2,428 times for 11,271 yards with 62 touchdowns. He became a free agent in 2009 and signed with the New England Patriots, where he spent two seasons before calling it quits.
It's worth noting that Taylor wasn't the Jags' first-round pick in 1999. They also took safety Donovin Darious with the 25th overall selection that year. Although he wasn't nearly as accomplished as his offensive counterpart, he also enjoyed a fruitful career in Jacksonville.
Appreciating the impact Fred Taylor had with the Jaguars
As talented as Fred Taylor was during his heyday, he's yet to get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He's gotten close but ultimately has come up short. Just last year, he was a finalist but wasn't selected. In total, he's made it to the semifinalist round six times and has been named a finalist twice.
You could argue that Taylor has the numbers to get in. But working against him is that he played in a small market and didn't have as have Pro Bowls and All-Pros as his contemporaries. But despite his lack of individual accolades, he has a solid case to eventually get the nod.
In fact, Taylor is one of the few running backs in recent years to warrant consideration, so it may be a matter of time before he gets in. But even if he doesn't, it doesn't take away the fact that he routinely gave opposing teams a fit. Some of the defenders he used to embarrass on Sundays have been inducted, so it would make sense that he also gets enshrined.
And any time you draft a player like that gives you a reason to celebrate. That's why the fact that the Jaguars drafted Fred Taylor on a day like this 27 years ago shouldn't go unnoticed.